Esports organisation Splyce has secured $2.6 million in funding, according to ESPN, with a host of sport’s biggest names among the investors.

The Ledger Group (TLG), a Toronto-based investment group, was the round’s biggest contributor. The group, which will soon rebrand as OverActive Media after investing in a number of esports opportunities, contributed $1.5m.

TLG adds Splyce to an investment portfolio that also includes esports betting company Askott Entertainment and gaming community Enthusiast Gaming.

Splyce told ESPN that The Ledger Group was joined by First Serve Partners, a New York venture capital firm. It count former Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace and former New Orleans Saints player Roman Harper among its investors.

Representatives from The Ledger Group and First Serve Partners will join the Splyce board.

The investment comes at a vital time for Splyce. The organisation is applying for a franchise spot in the EU LCS, which will cost the club more than $9m. This will guarantee them a spot in the league regardless of where they place in the coming years.

Splyce funding round generates $2.6m: Organisations comment

First Serve Partners CEO Waylon Chin told ESPN:

“We believe that our investment in Splyce, featuring a strategic collection of iconic athletes and business leaders in our syndicate, positions us to not only capitalize on the transcendent growth of esports but to bridge the gap between athletes as entrepreneurs and investors, and continue our leadership across sports, media, and entertainment.”

Splyce CEO Marty Strenczewilk told ESPN:

“There’s a lot of excitement from everyone in Splyce about bringing in our new groups from Toronto and New York,

“They not only expand our networks into two key business regions in the northeast, but also provide a wealth of business acumen to support our growth strategies.

“Working with accomplished entertainment veterans like Joey Brander, David Meltzer, Roman Harper and Metta World Peace gives us a lot of support and reach for our projects to expand the Splyce brand beyond the core esports audience and reach new fans.”